Investor view Q2 2026: AI vs cyclicals

Average equity gain +8.8% QoQ; IT/AI leads, autos negative, oil/steel/logistics near flat.

In Q2 2026, major global equities rose on average +8.8% QoQ. The main driver was world IT; AI optimism is still intensifying.

Sectors sensitive to ongoing global shocks contributed negatively: near-zero momentum in oil & gas, steel and transport/logistics; autos turned negative.

For Desk Market Intelligence this is a calendar filter for topic priority: capital and attention concentrate in semiconductors/AI infrastructure, while cyclical and trade-sensitive sectors need explicit risk premia in corporate cases.

Source: Global Business Monitoring, issue 2/2026 (HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs). Adapted for Corporate APAC Desk / Country radar.

Charts

Q2 2026 equity growth: by sector and by country
Q2 2026 equity growth: by sector and by country